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[photo] [photo] Willis--Moody Mansion
Photos courtesy of Galveston Historical Foundation
The Willis--Moody Mansion, built between 1893 and 1895 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, reflects the position Galveston once held in the economic, political and social spheres of Texas. Associated with two prominent Galveston mercantile and entrepreneurial families, the mansion was designed by English-born architect William H. Tyndall for Narcissa Willis, the widow of Galveston merchant Richard Short Willis. Tyndall took architect Henry Hobson Richardson's architectural ideas and adapted them to Galveston's warm marine climate. Porches, tall windows, galleries and rooms with south-facing exposures to catch the Gulf breezes were included with turrets, heavy arches and massive stonework in this four-story home to produce the only building in Galveston to exhibit direct characteristics of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Just five years after its completion, in 1900, the house was purchased from Narcissa Willis's heir by William Lewis Moody, Jr., whose business ventures over the ensuing five decades would play a key role in the development and definition of the economy in Galveston and Texas. Galveston was the center of cotton exporting in Texas and the Moody Compress Company (established in 1894) was one of the region's leading cotton processors. W. L. Moody, Jr., expanded family business interests along profitable lines that conformed to broader regional patterns, moving from commodity-based trade to investment-oriented capitalism. He entered the insurance business in 1905 as a partner in the American National Insurance Company, and later bought out his partner. He entered the hotel business in 1927, establishing the National Hotel Company. W. L. Moody, Jr.'s, legacy to the state was the Moody Foundation of Texas, which, among many generous grants, also included the Moody State School for Cerebral Palsied Children.

The Willis--Moody Mansion is located at 2618 Broadway St. in Galveston. The house is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Years and Easter. There is a fee for admission, call 409-762-7668 or visit the house's website for further information.

 

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